Dr. Fernando Jacinto

Hematologist Physician 

Oncology Day Hospital  

Holistic, personalized and multidisciplinary care

HPA Magazine 20

The Private Hospital of Madeira, with four years of existence, is already a reference in Regional Health and an alternative, in many areas, to the District Hospital. 

Oncology has always been a privileged area of this institution since the beginning, and for this reason, the creation of a differentiated space and team was a priority for the HPA Group. Thus, the Day Hospital (HD) was born, located on the 3rd floor, mainly dedicated to the treatment and care of cancer clients.

However, it is important to emphasize that the care activity in this unit is not limited to the administration of Chemotherapy (QT), the most common and well-known form of treatment for cancer.
 In a physical space characterized by comfort, tranquility, and privacy, holistic care is provided to the user from a multidisciplinary perspective, fundamental for the greater quality in the provision of care.
In addition to the oncologist/ oncology nurse team, who work together and closer to the patient, the HD has the collaboration of other specialties (such as Immuno-hematology) and has indispensable resources such as Pharmaceutical Services, Nutrition, and Psychology.
The "resident" clinical staff of the HD is currently composed of three nurses and three physicians who ensure differentiated and personalized treatment to all patients. 
 

From the first consultation and medical prescription of the respective treatment, a continuous process of care for the patient begins in synergy with the entire team, which does not end with the administration of the chemotherapy protocol and continues after discharge from the HD.
All treatments performed are closely monitored by the nursing team and always with the presence of one of the physicians to reinforce their safety, enabling prompt action in case of hypersensitivity reactions or adverse effects.
Oncological pathology comprises, in summary, two major types of tumors: solid tumors (the most frequent being breast cancer and colorectal cancer) and liquid tumors (such as lymphoma and myeloma); updated treatment regimens are available for all of them and in accordance with international guidelines.
In addition to malignant pathology, treatments for non-malignant diseases such as anemia and platelet disorders are also performed.

Enf.ª Susana Melvill de Araújo

Head Nurse, Day Hospital 

Oncology Day Hospital  

Oncology nursing: caring for the whole person

HPA Magazine 20

Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare systems as guardians of patient safety and person-centered care. 
Oncology nursing involves a multidisciplinary approach to caring for people with cancer, ensuring holistic care throughout their entire journey, from diagnosis and health/disease management to enabling a healthy transition to life with cancer, to recovery, rehabilitation, survival, and palliation.
A person undergoing cancer treatment may face very specific side effects, and to maintain their quality of life, they will need to manage them autonomously or with a team of specialized healthcare professionals. 

In this sense, the Nursing Consultation plays a crucial role in promoting knowledge and skills that enable the person to self-manage symptoms of the disease and possible treatment-related complications, and therefore support the decision-making process about their health state in a conscious and informed way. 
With this commitment, we provide regular follow-up consultations throughout their clinical journey until a period after their discharge, in order to screen for late effects resulting from antineoplastic therapy.
Additionally, we have a direct telephone line with the nursing team that contributes to personalized follow-up, ensuring a service with greater safety and confidence to the oncology client in moments of doubt or acute clinical situations. 
 

With this close contact, we establish a therapeutic relationship based on comprehensive care, which in turn allows us to ensure a care plan tailored to their biopsychosocial and spiritual needs, adapted to their reference group. 
In this paradigm, the Day Hospital nursing team focuses on preserving the individuality and dignity of the person, with the goal of fulfilling the true essence of caring in its entirety.
In conclusion, the enormous evolution of oncological treatments and the quality of care provided are indisputable, reflected not only in a higher cure rate but also in gains in the quality of life of the cared-for person! 
The oncology team has the role and responsibility of offering the best treatment, but should also have the sensitivity to understand the patient's feelings and help them overcome a long and difficult struggle, always maintaining maximum comfort and dignity, seeking to give life to years and not just years to life!